Israel Adesanya’s victory over Alex Pereira in second round of their scheduled five round encounter in UFC 287 to reclaim the middleweight title he lost to the same Pereria in the fifth round via a technical knock out last November has sent many Nigerians celebrating, especially in Lagos.
Bookmakers had favoured Adesanya to win, but not so quick as the second round.
Adesanya has been in the shadows of the Brazilian since 2017 when they first met in kick-boxing.
One fierce punch from the Stylebender’s right hand put out Pereira’s lights and handed the belt back to the Adesanya.
Just before the decisive punch, it was looking like it was going to be a repeat of November when Pereira had Adesanya boxed into a corner, sending head kicks and body shots.
Adesanya’s response came out of the blues and caught Pereira unaware, putting him to sleep just like it was for Adesanya during their meeting in kick-boxing.